973.7L63 
FIJ67J? 


Illinois  Watch  Company 

Lincoln  Essay  Contest:   To 
Increase  Knowledge  and 
Admiration  for  Lincoln 
Among  School  Children  in 
the  United  States. 


LINCOLN  ROOM 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 
LIBRARY 

presented  by 

PRATT  COLLECTION 


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LINCOLN 
ESSAY  CONTEST 


ABRAHAM      LINCOLN 
FROM  A  PORTRAIT  BY  DOUGLAS  VOLK 


ma. 


Lincoln 
Essay  Contest 

To  Increase 

Knowledge  and  Admiration 

of  Lincoln 

Among  School  Children 

in  the 

United  States 


CONDUCTED  BY 

ILLINOIS  WATCH  COMPANY 

SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign 


http://archive.org/details/lincolnessaycontOOilli 


FOREWORD 


1  his  pamphlet  has  been  prepared 
to  aid  high  school  officials  of  the 
United  States  to  prepare  medal 
contest  essays  on  Abraham  Lin- 
coln. It  contains  complete  infor- 
mation about  the  medal;  the  ma- 
terial from  which  it  is  made;  who 
its  painter  and  sculptor  are;  and 
answers  to  all  questions  that,  so 
far,  have  been  asked  concerning 
the  conditions  on  which  it  is  to  be 
awarded.  We  believe  that  this 
booklet  will  answer  your  every 
query,  but,  in  case  you  do  not  find 
the  information  that  you  seek, 
write  to  us  direct. 


The  origin  of  the  offer  of  this 
fine  medallion  of  Lincoln  to  the 
twenty-three  thousand  recognized 
high  schools  of  this  nation  and  the 
spirit  that  animates  this  effort  to 
increase  the  study  of  Lincoln,  his 
life  and  character,  are  described 
briefly;  we  believe  you  will  find 
all  its  pages  keenly  interesting. 

We  commend  to  your  careful 
consideration  this  little  publica- 
tion in  the  hope  that  it  may  enlist 
your  support  and  sympathy  in  the 
Lincoln  medal  essay  contest,  as  an 
incentive  to  better  government,  and 
a  greater  personal  responsibility 
for  the  infusion  in  our  citizenship 
of  the  high  ideals  that  Lincoln's 
life  exemplified. 


LINCOLN 
ESSAY  CONTEST 

p6L» <_>tfS 


1.  Object:  In  view  of  this  city,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
being  the  former  home  of  our  martyred  president, 
Abraham  Lincoln,  and  desiring  to  encourage  the  study 
of  his  life  and  character,  this  company  decided  to  con- 
duct this  competition  annually. 

The  body  of  Lincoln  is  interred  in  Springfield.  A 
magnificent  monument,  erected  largely  by  the  pennies 
and  small  coins  of  the  children  of  the  nation,  shelters 
his  body. 

The  Lincoln  Centennial  Association  has  been  en- 
deavoring through  a  number  of  years,  to  encourage  the 
study  of  Lincoln  throughout  the  world,  to  mark  those 
places  in  Springfield  and  nearby,  which  he  made  sacred 
by  his  presence,  and  otherwise  to  make  it  worthy  of  the 
world  shrine  it  has  come  to  be. 

[  7  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

From  civic  pride,  and  as  a  part  of  this  Lincoln  pro- 
gram, we  have  undertaken  to  create  interest  and  to 
increase  knowledge  and  admiration  of  Lincoln  among 
school  children  in  the  United  States,  by  offering,  annu- 
ally, a  beautiful  bronze  medal  to  the  pupil  in  each  high 
school  in  the  United  States  who  writes  the  best  short 
essay  on  the  life  of  Lincoln. 

What  is  the  Lincoln  Centennial 
Association? 

"To  This  Place  and  to  the  Kindness  of  These  People 
I  Owe  Everything." 

With  these  words  Lincoln,  on  the  morning  of  Febru- 
ary 11,  1861,  as  he  departed  for  Washington  and  the 
Presidency,  bade  farewell  to  his  friends  in  Springfield. 

Thus,  he  bequeathed  to  Springfield,  something  more 
than  a  sentiment,  something  more  than  a  motto  to  be 
carved  on  monuments  and  cornerstones — he  bequeathed 
a  trust,  a  very  deep  and  lasting  obligation  to  hold  his 
memory  sacred  and  keep  it  alive  among  all  men. 

It  was  with  this  thought — the  thought  of  Spring- 
field's singular  duty  to  the  memory  of  Abraham  Lin- 
coln— that  the  Lincoln  Centennial  Association  was 
formed  and  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  Illinois  in 
[  8  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

1909.  The  object  of  the  Association  was,  specifically, 
"to  properly  observe  the  one  hundredth  anniversary 
of  the  birth  of  Abraham  Lincoln;  to  preserve  to  pos- 
terity the  memory  of  his  words  and  works,  and  to  stim- 
ulate the  patriotism  of  the  youth  of  the  land  by  appro- 
priate annual  exercises." 

Any  additional  information  desired  with  reference 
to  the  Lincoln  Centennial  Association  may  be  secured 
by  writing  the  Secretary  of  the  Lincoln  Centennial  As- 
sociation, Springfield,  Illinois. 

2.  Eligibility:  (a)  All  recognized  high  schools, 
junior  high  schools,  academies  and  other  schools  giv- 
ing high  school  courses  or  their  equivalent,  which  are 
located  in  the  United  States  or  in  its  possessions. 

(b)  It  was  originally  intended  that  only  senior  class- 
es would  be  allowed  to  participate  but  it  has  now  been 
decided  to  leave  this  entirely  to  the  discretion  of  the 
school  officials.  For  example,  in  some  of  the  smaller 
rural  schools,  senior  classes  are  not  conducted  each 
year,  in  which  case  one  or  more  classes  would  be 
eligible.  The  same  would  hold  true  where  senior  class- 
es are  small. 

(c)  In  the  event  that  a  lower  classman  wins  the 

[9] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

medal  it  is  understood  that  he  will  not  be  permitted  to 
participate  in  subsequent  contests. 

3.  Length  of  Essays:  This  feature  of  the  contest 
is  also  left  entirely  with  the  school  authorities  (it 
having  been  found  that  local  conditions,  time  available, 
etc.,  make  a  difference  in  individual  cases) . 

4.  How  Written:  To  be  decided  in  each  case  by 
the  authorities  of  each  school  or  official  conducting  the 
contest. 

5.  When  Written:  All  essays  should  be  in  in  suffi- 
cient time  prior  to  Lincoln's  Birthday,  February  twelve, 
to  give  the  judges  reasonable  opportunity  to  reach  a 
decision. 

6.  Who  Judges  the  Essays?  Judges  should  be 
chosen  by  the  school  authorities  in  such  manner  as 
seems  to  them  most  satisfactory.  Our  suggestion  is 
that  there  be  three  judges,  two  teachers  and  one  per- 
son, not  connected  with  the  schools  or  the  contestants. 

7.  Should  Essays  Be  Sent  to  Us?  While  it  is  not 
compulsory  copies  will  be  appreciated. 

8.  Must  the  Name  of  the  Winner  Be  Forwarded? 
It  is  not  required,  we  would  be  pleased  to  have  it  if  the 
school  or  the  winner  cares  to  send  it  to  us.     (Proper 

[  ii  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

acknowledgment  will  always  be  made.)  But  the  local 
jeweler  who  has  displayed  the  medal  must  have  the 
name,  so  that  he  may  engrave  it  in  the  space  left  on 
the  reverse  side  of  the  medal. 

9.  When  Is  Medal  Presented?  It  is  assumed  that 
exercises  are  held  on  Lincoln's  Birthday  in  the  ma- 
jority of  schools,  this  would  be  the  most  appropriate 
time  to  present  the  medal.  However,  in  some  schools 
combination  exercises  are  held  for  Washington's  and 
Lincoln's  birthdays  at  which  time  the  medal  may  be 
presented.  It  may  be  more  desirable,  in  some  cases, 
to  present  the  medal  at  the  annual  commencement  ex- 
ercises which  is  entirely  satisfactory. 

10.  Who  Presents  the  Medal?  Left  to  the  discre- 
tion of  the  school  authorities. 

11.  What  is  the  Size  of  the  Medal?  The  medal 
is  three  (3)  inches  in  diameter  and  three-eighths  (%) 
inch  in  thickness.  This  size  was  decided  upon  after 
examining  a  large  number  of  very  fine  medals  made  in 
various  parts  of  the  world. 

12.  What  is  the  Medal  Made  of?  The  medal  is 
made  of  the  finest  solid  government  bronze. 

[  12  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

13.  Is  the  Medal  Simply  a  Casting?  The  medal  is 
not  a  casting  in  any  sense  of  the  word.  There  are  very 
few  concerns  in  the  United  States  that  have  the  neces- 
sary machines  and  equipment  to  produce  medals  of  this 
kind.  These  medals  are  struck  on  powerful  presses 
under  a  pressure  of  several  hundred  tons  to  a  square 
inch.  Even  then  it  is  necessary  to  strike  several  blows 
to  produce  the  desired  relief.  Only  a  single  medal  is 
struck  at  a  time  on  one  of  these  powerful  presses. 

14.  What  is  the  Sculptor's  Part?  The  sculptor 
makes  the  model  from  which  the  dies  are  cut.  With 
a  picture  before  him,  he  first  works  in  plastic  ma- 
terial a  model  of  the  exact  features  of  the  portrait, 
collaborating  with  the  Artist  in  securing  a  faithful  re- 
producion  of  the  portrait  itself.  This  model  is  made 
several  times  the  size  of  the  medal.  From  this  there  is 
made  a  plaster  cast, — then  there  is  next  made  a  bronze 
casting  and  then  the  latter  is  attached  to  a  Janvier  Die 
Cutting  Machine.  This  machine  was  made  in  Paris  and 
similar  machines  are  used  in  the  mints  of  every  im- 
portant nation  in  the  world  for  cutting  dies  from  which 
the  national  coins  are  struck.  This  machine  works  with 
almost    human    intelligence, — its    mechanism    being 

I  13  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

adapted  to  reproduce  on  a  small  scale  every  outline 
and  feature  of  the  large  model  that  the  sculptor  has 
prepared, — thus  securing  an  accuracy  of  reproduction 
impossible  with  hand  cut  dies. 

15.  The  Head  of  Lincoln:  The  head  of  Lincoln  on 
the  medal  is  a  reproduction  of  Mr.  Douglas  Volk's 
famous  painting  "Abraham  Lincoln,"  as  shown  in  this 
booklet,  and  is  considered  by  many  to  be  the  finest 
likeness  of  our  martyred  president. 

16.  Who  is  Mr.  Douglas  Volk?  Painter  of  figures 
and  portraits.  Born  in  Pittsfield,  Mass.  Son  of  Leonard 
W.  and  Emily  C.  (Barlow)  Volk.  Studied  in  Paris  and 
Rome.  Exhibited  in  Paris  Salon.  Awards:  Medal 
World's  Fair.  Shaw  Prize  at  Society  of  American  Art- 
ists, 1899.  (For  best  figure  picture  painted  by  an 
American  Artist.)  First  Prize,  Colonial  Exposition, 
Boston,  1901.  Carnegie  Prize,  1903.  Two  Silver  Med- 
als, St.  Louis  Exposition,  1904.  Is  represented  in  Car- 
negie Museum,  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  Corcoran  Art  Galler- 
ies, Washington,  D.  C,  Metropolitan  Museum,  New 
York,  and  other  collections.  Created  a  full  member  of 
National  Academy  of  Design  (N.  A.)  1899.  Is  now 
Recording  Secretary  of  the  Academy.  Member  of  Cen- 

[  15  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

tury  Club,  President  of  Arts  Club,  Member  of  Architec- 
tural League,  the  Mural  Painters,  etc.  Mr.  Volk's 
portrait  of  Lincoln  is  considered  by  the  critics  as  the 
finest  portrait  of  Lincoln  ever  painted.  Mr.  Volk's  in- 
timate knowledge,  through  the  work  of  his  celebrated 
father,  Leonard  W.  Volk,  who  cast  from  life  the  hands 
and  mask  of  Lincoln's  head,  also  modelled  from  life 
the  portrait  bust  of  Lincoln,  now  at  the  Metropolitan 
Museum,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Volk  was  commissioned  by  the 
government  to  paint  the  portraits  of  King  Albert  of 
Belgium,  Brand  Whitlock,  also  Lloyd  George  and 
other  celebrated  men.  He  received  special  decoration 
from  King  Albert  for  his  distinguished  work.  He  ranks 
as  one  of  the  foremost  Portrait  Painters  in  this  Country. 

17.  Who  was  the  Sculptor?  Charles  Louis  Hin- 
ton.  Was  born  in  Ithaca,  N.  Y.  in  1869.  He  was  a  pupil 
of  Will  Low  at  the  National  Academy  of  Design  and 
of  Gerome  and  Bouguereau  in  Paris,  and  studied  also 
at  the  Ecole  des  Beaux- Arts  under  Gumer. 

Honors:  Traveling  Scholarship,  National  Academy 
of  Design,  1893;  Prize  for  Garden  Sculpture,  Harts- 
dale,  N.  Y.;  Prizes  for  Painting  and  Numerous  Men- 

[  16  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

tions;  Honorable  Mention,  Pan-American  Exposition, 
Buffalo,  1901. 

Membership;  Mural  Painters;  National  Sculpture 
Society,  Secretary;  New  York  Architectural  League; 
Artists  Aid  Society;  National  Academy  of  Design; 
Academician. 

Works:  Mural  Decorations,  Orphans  Court,  Wilkes- 
Barre,  Pa.;  Illustrated  Books  for  a  Number  of  Years, 
"Emmy  Lou",  "Under  the  Trees",  etc.;  Painted  Por- 
traits in  Oil,  and  Pictures  in  Water  Colors;  Numerous 
Small  Pieces  of  Sculpture  and  Some  in  Life-size; 
Henry  Hudson,  Heroic-size  Statue;  Diana  with  her 
Dogs,  Small  Bronze,  Private  Collection,  Pittsburgh, 
Pa.;  Atlanta,  Cleveland  Museum  of  Art,  Cleveland, 
Ohio;  Call  to  Arms,  Smithsonian  Institute,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C;  Vanity,  in  a  Private  Collection,  St.  Louis, 
Mo. 

18.  May  These  Medals  be  Purchased?  The  sculp- 
turing on  this  medal  was  done  exclusively  for,  and 
under  our  direction  and  is  our  property.  The  medal 
is  copyrighted  and  is  not  for  sale  at  any  price. 

19.  How  Are  the  Medals  Packed?  The  medah 
are  supplied  in  attractive,  velvet-lined  display  boxes, 

[  17  ] 


THE   MEDALAS   IT  APPEARS   IN  ITS   CASE 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

similar  to  those  used  for  displaying  fine  watches  and 
jewelry.  These  display  boxes  are  packed  in  suitable 
shipping  cartons  as  illustrated  on  page  18. 

20.  Who  Pays  for  the  Medals?  The  expense  in- 
volved in  producing  and  distributing  these  medals  is 
borne  entirely  by  us.  This  company  also  agrees,  until 
further  notice,  to  supply  a  medal,  each  year,  to  all 
schools  that  are  eligible.    (See  "Eligibility"  Page  9) 

21.  Is  Any  Obligation  Incurred  by  Participating 
IN  this  Contest?  The  medals  are  furnished  free  of 
charge  and  are  shipped  charges  paid. 

We  are  not  conducting  this  contest  to  secure  the 
names  of  school  officials,  teachers  or  students  who,  at 
some  time,  might  be  prospective  customers. 

The  product  of  this  company  is  sold  exclusively 
through  long-established  and  well-known  wholesale 
houses  throughout  the  United  States  and  No  Sales  Are 
Made  Under  Any  Circumstances  Direct  to  Retail  Jew- 
elers or  Individuals. 

22.  Why  is  it  Necessary  to  have  the  Names  of 
Jewelers?  In  order  to  create  the  greatest  possible 
interest  in  the  contest  we  desire  that  the  medals  be  dis- 

[  W] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

played  in  a  prominent  place  prior  to  presentation.  With 
this  in  mind  we  request  those  in  charge  of  the  contest 
to  submit  the  names  of  several  prominent  jewelers  or 
reputable  merchants  so  that  we  may  enlist  their  coop- 
eration and  support.  In  smaller  places  and  in  com- 
munities where  there  are  no  jewelers,  it  will  be  perfect- 
ly satisfactory  to  send  in  the  names  of  merchants  who 
you  think  are  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  school. 

While  it  is  not  necessary  for  the  school  authorities 
to  take  the  matter  up  with  the  merchants,  such  coopera- 
tion will  be  very  helpful  to  the  school  and  will  be  ap- 
preciated. 

23.  Who  Engraves  the  Name  of  the  Winner  on 
the  Medal?  It  is  obvious  that  it  would  be  impossible 
for  us  even  to  attempt  to  engrave  the  thousands  of 
medals  awarded  each  year,  therefore,  it  is  necessary  to 
secure  the  interest  and  cooperation  of  a  local  jeweler  or 
merchant,  preferably  one  capable  of  engraving. 

In  cases  where  it  is  impossible  to  have  such  engrav- 
ing done,  we  will  do  it  gladly  if  the  medal  is  returned 
together  with  the  name  of  the  student  winning  it. 

24.  How  is  THE  Medal  Displayed?  This  is  left  en- 
tirely to  the  merchant  who  agrees  to  display  it. 

[  20  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

25.  Is  a  Display  Card  Furnished  to  Indicate 
what  the  Medal  is  for?  An  attractive  display  sign 
of  a  convenient  size  is  furnished  with  each  medal,  with- 
out charge. 

26.  What  are  the  Duties  of  the  Jeweler  or 
Merchant  in  Connection  with  the  Contest?  Noth- 
ing is  required  of  the  jeweler  or  merchant  except  to 
display  the  medal  prior  to  Lincoln's  birthday  and 
where  possible  to  engrave  the  name  of  the  winner. 

27.  What  Advertising  or  Publicity  is  Required 
on  the  Part  of  the  School  or  the  Merchant? 
None.  However,  it  is  obvious  that  far  more  interest 
will  be  taken  in  the  competition  if  local  news  items 
are  run,  from  time  to  time,  during  the  contest.  Infor- 
mation and  stories  of  the  life  of  Lincoln  will  be  fur- 
nished at  intervals. 

28.  How  Does  a  School  Notify  the  Company 
that  it  Desires  to  Enter  the  Contest?  Communi- 
cate direct  with  "The  Lincoln  Essay  Bureau,"  Illinois 
Watch  Company,  Springfield,  Illinois. 

29.  Who  are  the  Donors?  The  Illinois  Watch 
Co.,  Established  in  1870,  one  of  the  largest  watch  man- 

[  21  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

ufacturers  in  the  world.  John  T.  Stuart,  Lincoln's  first 
law  partner,  was  the  first  president  of  the  company. 
Jacob  Bunn,  who  was  president  of  the  company  until 
his  death  in  1897,  was  a  personal  friend  and  confidant 
of  Abraham  Lincoln,  and  a  pallbearer  at  his  funeral. 
Jacob  Bunn,  his  son,  is  now  president  of  the  company. 


ILLINOIS  WATCH  COMPANY 

SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS 
U.  S.  A. 


[  22  ] 


State  of  Illinois 

OFFICE  OF  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION 
SPRINGFIELD 

March  4,  1924 
To  High  School  Principals: 

Interest  in  Abraham  Lincoln  grows  with  the  years. 
Every  incident  in  his  life  is  sought  out  and  lifted  up. 
His  life  and  character  have  become  one  of  the  greatest 
educational  assets  of  the  nation ;  so  simple  in  the  main 
outlines  that  the  children  of  the  primary  grades  may 
understand  and  appreciate,  and  yet  so  deep  and  intri- 
cate as  to  hold  and  inform  the  minds  of  scholars.  We 
should  do  everything  we  can  to  engage  high  school 
pupils  in  a  study  of  his  life  and  ideals.  We  should 
seize  upon  every  device  or  incentive  to  arouse  their  in- 
terests, encourage  their  study,  and  develop  their  appre- 
ciation of  this  great  American. 

The  Illinois  Watch  Company  is  offering  a  medallion 
cast  in  government  bronze,  by  Douglas  Volk  and 
Charles  L.  Hinton,  to  the  high  school  pupil  in  every 
recognized  or  accredited  high  school  who  writes  the 
best  essay  on  Abraham  Lincoln  as  judged  by  the  Eng- 
lish Department  of  that  high  school,  or  by  any  commit- 
tee of  local  judges  selected  by  the  high  school  authori- 
ties. On  one  side  of  the  medal  is  cast  the  bust  of 
Abraham  Lincoln,  the  years  of  his  birth  and  death,  and 
[  23  ] 


the  name  "Lincoln."  On  the  reverse  side  is  a  wreath 
with  the  legend,  "Lincoln  Essay  Awarded  to ." 

The  original  intention  was  to  have  the  medallions 
awarded  on  the  12th  day  of  February  each  year,  but 
unavoidable  delays  make  it  necessary  to  continue  the 
time  of  the  contest  so  as  to  include  commencement  day 
for  this  year.  As  the  plan  is  inspired  solely  by  a  desire 
to  encourage  high  school  pupils  to  gather  information 
about  Mr.  Lincoln,  and  to  express  it  in  the  form  of  an 
essay,  I  am  recommending  the  plan  to  the  high  schools 
of  Illinois.  The  offering  is  to  be  an  annual  affair  and 
will  include  all  the  states  of  the  Union.  Illinois  ought 
to  make  a  good  showing. 

Information  respecting  the  details  of  the  plan  may 
be  had  from  the  Illinois  Watch  Factory,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  or  from  this  office. 

Yours  sincerely, 
F.  G.  Blair, 

Superintendent, 


Printed  in  the  U.  S.  A. 

[24] 


& 


1 


W$& 


*  i. 


mm 


LINCOLN 
ESSAY  CONTEST 


ABRAHAM      LINCOLN 
FROM  A  PORTRAIT  BY  DOUGLAS  VOLK 


ULblA 


Lincoln 
Essay  Contest 

To  Increase 

Knowledge  and  Admiration 

ofLincoln 

Among  School  Children 

in  the 

United  States 


CONDUCTED  BY 

ILLINOIS  WATCH  COMPANY 

SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS 


FOREWORD 


J_  His  pamphlet  has  been  prepared 
to  aid  high  school  officials  of  the 
United  States  to  prepare  medal 
contest  essays  on  Abraham  Lin- 
coln. It  contains  complete  infor- 
mation about  the  medal;  the  ma- 
terial from  which  it  is  made;  who 
its  painter  and  sculptor  are;  and 
answers  to  all  questions  that,  so 
far,  have  been  asked  concerning 
the  conditions  on  which  it  is  to  be 
awarded.  We  believe  that  this 
booklet  will  answer  your  every 
query,  but,  in  case  you  do  not  find 
the  information  that  you  seek, 
write  to  us  direct. 


The  origin  of  the  offer  of  this 
fine  medallion  of  Lincoln  to  the 
twenty-three  thousand  recognized 
high  schools  of  this  nation  and  the 
spirit  that  animates  this  effort  to 
increase  the  study  of  Lincoln,  his 
life  and  character,  are  described 
briefly;  we  believe  you  will  find 
all  its  pages  keenly  interesting. 

We  commend  to  your  careful 
consideration  this  little  publica- 
tion in  the  hope  that  it  may  enlist 
your  support  and  sympathy  in  the 
Lincoln  medal  essay  contest,  as  an 
incentive  to  better  government,  and 
a  greater  personal  responsibility 
for  the  infusion  in  our  citizenship 
of  the  high  ideals  that  Lincoln's 
life  exemplified. 


era 

LINCOLN 


ESSAY  CONTEST 


§£L>- 


1.  Object:  In  view  of  this  city,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
being  the  former  home  of  our  martyred  president, 
Abraham  Lincoln,  and  desiring  to  encourage  the  study 
of  his  life  and  character,  this  company  decided  to  con- 
duct this  competition  annually. 

The  body  of  Lincoln  is  interred  in  Springfield.  A 
magnificent  monument,  erected  largely  by  the  pennies 
and  small  coins  of  the  children  of  the  nation,  shelters 
his  body. 

The  Lincoln  Centennial  Association  has  been  en- 
deavoring through  a  number  of  years,  to  encourage  the 
study  of  Lincoln  throughout  the  world,  to  mark  those 
places  in  Springfield  and  nearby,  which  he  made  sacred 
by  his  presence,  and  otherwise  to  make  it  worthy  of  the 
world  shrine  it  has  come  to  be. 

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LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

From  civic  pride,  and  as  a  part  of  this  Lincoln  pro- 
gram, we  have  undertaken  to  create  interest  and  to 
increase  knowledge  and  admiration  of  Lincoln  among 
school  children  in  the  United  States,  by  offering,  annu- 
ally, a  beautiful  bronze  medal  to  the  pupil  in  each  high 
school  in  the  United  States  who  writes  the  best  short 
essay  on  the  life  of  Lincoln. 

What  is  the  Lincoln  Centennial 
Association? 

"To  This  Place  and  to  the  Kindness  of  These  People 
I  Owe  Everything." 

With  these  words  Lincoln,  on  the  morning  of  Febru- 
ary 11,  1861,  as  he  departed  for  Washington  and  the 
Presidency,  bade  farewell  to  his  friends  in  Springfield. 

Thus,  he  bequeathed  to  Springfield,  something  more 
than  a  sentiment,  something  more  than  a  motto  to  be 
carved  on  monuments  and  cornerstones — he  bequeathed 
a  trust,  a  very  deep  and  lasting  obligation  to  hold  his 
memory  sacred  and  keep  it  alive  among  all  men. 

It  was  with  this  thought — the  thought  of  Spring- 
field's singular  duty  to  the  memory  of  Abraham  Lin- 
coln— that  the  Lincoln  Centennial  Association  was 
formed  and  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  Illinois  in 
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LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

1909.  The  object  of  the  Association  was,  specifically, 
"to  properly  observe  the  one  hundredth  anniversary 
of  the  birth  of  Abraham  Lincoln;  to  preserve  to  pos- 
terity the  memory  of  his  words  and  works,  and  to  stim- 
ulate the  patriotism  of  the  youth  of  the  land  by  appro- 
priate annual  exercises." 

Any  additional  information  desired  with  reference 
to  the  Lincoln  Centennial  Association  may  be  secured 
by  writing  the  Secretary  of  the  Lincoln  Centennial  As- 
sociation, Springfield,  Illinois. 

2.  Eligibility:  (a)  All  recognized  high  schools, 
junior  high  schools,  academies  and  other  schools  giv- 
ing high  school  courses  or  their  equivalent,  which  are 
located  in  the  United  States  or  in  its  possessions. 

(b)  It  was  originally  intended  that  only  senior  class- 
es would  be  allowed  to  participate  but  it  has  now  been 
decided  to  leave  this  entirely  to  the  discretion  of  the 
school  officials.  For  example,  in  some  of  the  smaller 
rural  schools,  senior  classes  are  not  conducted  each 
year,  in  which  case  one  or  more  classes  would  be 
eligible.  The  same  would  hold  true  where  senior  class- 
es are  small. 

(c)  In  the  event  that  a  lower  classman  wins  the 

[9] 


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LINCOLN'S    TOMB      SPRINGFIELD 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

medal  it  is  understood  that  he  will  not  be  permitted  to 
participate  in  subsequent  contests. 

3.  Length  of  Essays:  This  feature  of  the  contest 
is  also  left  entirely  with  the  school  authorities  (it 
having  been  found  that  local  conditions,  time  available, 
etc.,  make  a  difference  in  individual  cases). 

4.  How  Written:  To  be  decided  in  each  case  by 
the  authorities  of  each  school  or  official  conducting  the 
contest. 

5.  When  Written:  All  essays  should  be  in  in  suffi- 
cient time  prior  to  Lincoln's  Birthday,  February  twelve, 
to  give  the  judges  reasonable  opportunity  to  reach  a 
decision. 

6.  Who  Judges  the  Essays?  Judges  should  be 
chosen  by  the  school  authorities  in  such  manner  as 
seems  to  them  most  satisfactory.  Our  suggestion  is 
that  there  be  three  judges,  two  teachers  and  one  per- 
son, not  connected  with  the  schools  or  the  contestants. 

7.  Should  Essays  Be  Sent  to  Us?  While  it  is  not 
compulsory  copies  will  be  appreciated. 

8.  Must  the  Name  of  the  Winner  Be  Forwarded? 
1 1  is  not  required,  we  would  be  pleased  to  have  it  if  the 
M-hool  or  the  winner  cares  to  send  it  to  us.     (Proper 

[  ii  ] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

acknowledgment  will  always  be  made.)  But  the  local 
jeweler  who  has  displayed  the  medal  must  have  the 
name,  so  that  he  may  engrave  it  in  the  space  left  on 
the  reverse  side  of  the  medal. 

9.  When  Is  Medal  Presented?  It  is  assumed  that 
exercises  are  held  on  Lincoln's  Birthday  in  the  ma- 
jority of  schools,  this  would  be  the  most  appropriate 
time  to  present  the  medal.  However,  in  some  schools 
combination  exercises  are  held  for  Washington's  and 
Lincoln's  birthdays  at  which  time  the  medal  may  be 
presented.  It  may  be  more  desirable,  in  some  cases, 
to  present  the  medal  at  the  annual  commencement  ex- 
ercises which  is  entirely  satisfactory. 

10.  Who  Presents  the  Medal?  Left  to  the  discre- 
tion of  the  school  authorities. 

11.  What  is  the  Size  of  the  Medal?  The  medal 
is  three  (3)  inches  in  diameter  and  three-eighths  (%) 
inch  in  thickness.  This  size  was  decided  upon  after 
examining  a  large  number  of  very  fine  medals  made  in 
various  parts  of  the  world. 

12.  What  is  the  Medal  Made  of?  The  medal  is 
made  of  the  finest  solid  government  bronze. 

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LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

13.  Is  the  Medal  Simply  a  Casting?  The  medal  is 
not  a  casting  in  any  sense  of  the  word.  There  are  very 
few  concerns  in  the  United  States  that  have  the  neces- 
sary machines  and  equipment  to  produce  medals  of  this 
kind.  These  medals  are  struck  on  powerful  presses 
under  a  pressure  of  several  hundred  tons  to  a  square 
inch.  Even  then  it  is  necessary  to  strike  several  blows 
to  produce  the  desired  relief.  Only  a  single  medal  is 
struck  at  a  time  on  one  of  these  powerful  presses. 

14.  What  is  the  Sculptor's  Part?  The  sculptor 
makes  the  model  from  which  the  dies  are  cut.  With 
a  picture  before  him,  he  first  works  in  plastic  ma- 
terial a  model  of  the  exact  features  of  the  portrait, 
collaborating  with  the  Artist  in  securing  a  faithful  re- 
producion  of  the  portrait  itself.  This  model  is  made 
several  times  the  size  of  the  medal.  From  this  there  is 
made  a  plaster  cast, — then  there  is  next  made  a  bronze 
casting  and  then  the  latter  is  attached  to  a  Janvier  Die 
Cutting  Machine.  This  machine  was  made  in  Paris  and 
similar  machines  are  used  in  the  mints  of  every  im- 
portant nation  in  the  world  for  cutting  dies  from  which 
the  national  coins  are  struck.  This  machine  works  with 
almost    human    intelligence, — its    mechanism    being 

[  13  ] 


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LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

adapted  to  reproduce  on  a  small  scale  every  outline 
and  feature  of  the  large  model  that  the  sculptor  has 
prepared, — thus  securing  an  accuracy  of  reproduction 
impossible  with  hand  cut  dies. 

15.  The  Head  of  Lincoln:  The  head  of  Lincoln  on 
the  medal  is  a  reproduction  of  Mr.  Douglas  Volk's 
famous  painting  "Abraham  Lincoln,"  as  shown  in  this 
booklet,  and  is  considered  by  many  to  be  the  finest 
likeness  of  our  martyred  president. 

16.  Who  is  Mr.  Douglas  Volk?  Painter  of  figures 
and  portraits.  Born  in  Pittsfield,  Mass.  Son  of  Leonard 
W.  and  Emily  C.  (Barlow)  Volk.  Studied  in  Paris  and 
Rome.  Exhibited  in  Paris  Salon.  Awards:  Medal 
World's  Fair.  Shaw  Prize  at  Society  of  American  Art- 
ists, 1899.  (For  best  figure  picture  painted  by  an 
American  Artist.)  First  Prize,  Colonial  Exposition, 
Boston,  1901.  Carnegie  Prize,  1903.  Two  Silver  Med- 
als, St.  Louis  Exposition,  1904.  Is  represented  in  Car- 
negie Museum,  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  Corcoran  Art  Galler- 
ies, Washington,  D.  C,  Metropolitan  Museum,  New 
York,  and  other  collections.  Created  a  full  member  of 
National  Academy  of  Design  (N.  A.)  1899.  Is  now 
Recording  Secretary  of  the  Academy.  Member  of  Cen- 

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LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

tury  Club,  President  of  Arts  Club,  Member  of  Architec- 
tural League,  the  Mural  Painters,  etc.  Mr.  Volk's 
portrait  of  Lincoln  is  considered  by  the  critics  as  the 
finest  portrait  of  Lincoln  ever  painted.  Mr.  Volk's  in- 
timate knowledge,  through  the  work  of  his  celebrated 
father,  Leonard  W.  Volk,  who  cast  from  life  the  hands 
and  mask  of  Lincoln's  head,  also  modelled  from  life 
the  portrait  bust  of  Lincoln,  now  at  the  Metropolitan 
Museum,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Volk  was  commissioned  by  the 
government  to  paint  the  portraits  of  King  Albert  of 
Belgium,  Brand  Whitlock,  also  Lloyd  George  and 
other  celebrated  men.  He  received  special  decoration 
from  King  Albert  for  his  distinguished  work.  He  ranks 
as  one  of  the  foremost  Portrait  Painters  in  this  Country. 

17.  Who  was  the  Sculptor?  Charles  Louis  Hin- 
ton.  Was  born  in  Ithaca,  N.  Y.  in  1869.  He  was  a  pupil 
of  Will  Low  at  the  National  Academy  of  Design  and 
of  Gerome  and  Bouguereau  in  Paris,  and  studied  also 
at  the  Ecole  des  Beaux- Arts  under  Gumer. 

Honors:  Traveling  Scholarship,  National  Academy 
of  Design,  1893;  Prize  for  Garden  Sculpture,  Harts- 
dale,  N.  Y.;  Prizes  for  Painting  and  Numerous  Men- 

[  16] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

tions;  Honorable  Mention,  Pan-American  Exposition, 
Buffalo,  1901. 

Membership;  Mural  Painters;  National  Sculpture 
Society,  Secretary;  New  York  Architectural  League; 
Artists  Aid  Society;  National  Academy  of  Design; 
Academician. 

Works:  Mural  Decorations,  Orphans  Court,  Wilkes- 
Barre,  Pa.;  Illustrated  Books  for  a  Number  of  Years, 
"Emmy  Lou",  "Under  the  Trees",  etc.;  Painted  Por- 
traits in  Oil,  and  Pictures  in  Water  Colors;  Numerous 
Small  Pieces  of  Sculpture  and  Some  in  Life-size; 
Henry  Hudson,  Heroic-size  Statue;  Diana  with  her 
Dogs,  Small  Bronze,  Private  Collection,  Pittsburgh, 
Pa.;  Atlanta,  Cleveland  Museum  of  Art,  Cleveland, 
Ohio;  Call  to  Arms,  Smithsonian  Institute,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C;  Vanity,  in  a  Private  Collection,  St.  Louis, 
Mo. 

18.  May  These  Medals  be  Purchased?  The  sculp- 
turing on  this  medal  was  done  exclusively  for,  and 
under  our  direction  and  is  our  property.  The  medal 
is  copyrighted  and  is  not  for  sale  at  any  price. 

19.  How  Are  the  Medals  Packed?  The  medah 
are  supplied  in  attractive,  velvet-lined  display  boxes, 

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LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

similar  to  those  used  for  displaying  fine  watches  and 
jewelry.  These  display  boxes  are  packed  in  suitable 
shipping  cartons  as  illustrated  on  page  18. 

20.  Who  Pays  for  the  Medals?  The  expense  in- 
volved in  producing  and  distributing  these  medals  is 
borne  entirely  by  us.  This  company  also  agrees,  until 
further  notice,  to  supply  a  medal,  each  year,  to  all 
schools  that  are  eligible.    (See  "Eligibility"  Page  9) 

21.  Is  Any  Obligation  Incurred  by  Participating 
IN  this  Contest?  The  medals  are  furnished  free  of 
charge  and  are  shipped  charges  paid. 

We  are  not  conducting  this  contest  to  secure  the 
names  of  school  officials,  teachers  or  students  who,  at 
some  time,  might  be  prospective  customers. 

The  product  of  this  company  is  sold  exclusively 
through  long-established  and  well-known  wholesale 
houses  throughout  the  United  States  and  No  Sales  Are 
Made  Under  Any  Circumstances  Direct  to  Retail  Jew- 
elers or  Individuals. 

22.  Why  is  it  Necessary  to  have  the  Names  of 
Jewelers?  In  order  to  create  the  greatest  possible 
interest  in  the  contest  we  desire  that  the  medals  be  dis- 

[  19] 


LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

played  in  a  prominent  place  prior  to  presentation.  With 
this  in  mind  we  request  those  in  charge  of  the  contest 
to  submit  the  names  of  several  prominent  jewelers  or 
reputable  merchants  so  that  we  may  enlist  their  coop- 
eration and  support.  In  smaller  places  and  in  com- 
munities where  there  are  no  jewelers,  it  will  be  perfect- 
ly satisfactory  to  send  in  the  names  of  merchants  who 
you  think  are  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  school. 

While  it  is  not  necessary  for  the  school  authorities 
to  take  the  matter  up  with  the  merchants,  such  coopera- 
tion will  be  very  helpful  to  the  school  and  will  be  ap- 
preciated. 

23.  Who  Engraves  the  Name  of  the  Winner  on 
the  Medal?  It  is  obvious  that  it  would  be  impossible 
for  us  even  to  attempt  to  engrave  the  thousands  of 
medals  awarded  each  year,  therefore,  it  is  necessary  to 
secure  the  interest  and  cooperation  of  a  local  jeweler  or 
merchant,  preferably  one  capable  of  engraving. 

In  cases  where  it  is  impossible  to  have  such  engrav- 
ing done,  we  will  do  it  gladly  if  the  medal  is  returned 
together  with  the  name  of  the  student  winning  it. 

24.  How  is  the  Medal  Displayed?  This  is  left  en- 
tirely to  the  merchant  who  agrees  to  display  it. 

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LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

25.  Is  a  Display  Card  Furnished  to  Indicate 
what  the  Medal  is  for?  An  attractive  display  sign 
of  a  convenient  size  is  furnished  with  each  medal,  with- 
out charge. 

26.  What  are  the  Duties  of  the  Jeweler  or 
Merchant  in  Connection  with  the  Contest?  Noth- 
ing is  required  of  the  jeweler  or  merchant  except  to 
display  the  medal  prior  to  Lincoln's  birthday  and 
where  possible  to  engrave  the  name  of  the  winner. 

27.  What  Advertising  or  Publicity  is  Required 
on  the  Part  of  the  School  or  the  Merchant? 
None.  However,  it  is  obvious  that  far  more  interest 
will  be  taken  in  the  competition  if  local  news  items 
are  run,  from  time  to  time,  during  the  contest.  Infor- 
mation and  stories  of  the  life  of  Lincoln  will  be  fur- 
nished at  intervals. 

28.  How  Does  a  School  Notify  the  Company 
that  it  Desires  to  Enter  the  Contest?  Communi- 
cate direct  with  "The  Lincoln  Essay  Bureau,"  Illinois 
Watch  Company,  Springfield,  Illinois. 

29.  Who  are  the  Donors?  The  Illinois  Watch 
Co.,  Established  in  1870,  one  of  the  largest  watch  man- 

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LINCOLN     ESSAY     CONTEST 

ufacturers  in  the  world.  John  T.  Stuart,  Lincoln's  first 
law  partner,  was  the  first  president  of  the  company. 
Jacob  Bunn,  who  was  president  of  the  company  until 
his  death  in  1897,  was  a  personal  friend  and  confidant 
of  Abraham  Lincoln,  and  a  pallbearer  at  his  funeral. 
Jacob  Bunn,  his  son,  is  now  president  of  the  company. 


ILLINOIS  WATCH  COMPANY 

SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS 
U.  S.  A. 


22  ] 


State  of  Illinois 

OFFICE  OF  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION 
SPRINGFIELD 

March  4,  1924 
To  High  School  Principals: 

Interest  in  Abraham  Lincoln  grows  with  the  years. 
Every  incident  in  his  life  is  sought  out  and  lifted  up. 
His  life  and  character  have  become  one  of  the  greatest 
educational  assets  of  the  nation;  so  simple  in  the  main 
outlines  that  the  children  of  the  primary  grades  may 
understand  and  appreciate,  and  yet  so  deep  and  intri- 
cate as  to  hold  and  inform  the  minds  of  scholars.  We 
should  do  everything  we  can  to  engage  high  school 
pupils  in  a  study  of  his  life  and  ideals.  We  should 
seize  upon  every  device  or  incentive  to  arouse  their  in- 
terests, encourage  their  study,  and  develop  their  appre- 
ciation of  this  great  American. 

The  Illinois  Watch  Company  is  offering  a  medallion 
cast  in  government  bronze,  by  Douglas  Volk  and 
Charles  L.  Hinton,  to  the  high  school  pupil  in  every 
recognized  or  accredited  high  school  who  writes  the 
best  essay  on  Abraham  Lincoln  as  judged  by  the  Eng- 
lish Department  of  that  high  school,  or  by  any  commit- 
tee of  local  judges  selected  by  the  high  school  authori- 
ties. On  one  side  of  the  medal  is  cast  the  bust  of 
Abraham  Lincoln,  the  years  of  his  birth  and  death,  and 
[  23  ] 


the  name  "Lincoln."  On  the  reverse  side  is  a  wreath 
with  the  legend,  "Lincoln  Essay  Awarded  to ." 

The  original  intention  was  to  have  the  medallions 
awarded  on  the  12th  day  of  February  each  year,  but 
unavoidable  delays  make  it  necessary  to  continue  the 
time  of  the  contest  so  as  to  include  commencement  day 
for  this  year.  As  the  plan  is  inspired  solely  by  a  desire 
to  encourage  high  school  pupils  to  gather  information 
about  Mr.  Lincoln,  and  to  express  it  in  the  form  of  an 
essay,  I  am  recommending  the  plan  to  the  high  schools 
of  Illinois.  The  offering  is  to  be  an  annual  affair  and 
will  include  all  the  states  of  the  Union.  Illinois  ought 
to  make  a  good  showing. 

Information  respecting  the  details  of  the  plan  may 
be  had  from  the  Illinois  Watch  Factory,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  or  from  this  office. 

Yours  sincerely, 
F.  G.  Blair, 
Superintendent. 


Printed  in  the  U.  S.  A. 

[24] 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 

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LINCOLN  ESSAY  CONTEST  SPRINGFIELD,  ILL. 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 

973.7L63FIL67L  C002 

LINCOLN  ESSAY  CONTEST  SPRINGFIELD,  ILL. 


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